Maybe this is an unpopular opinion but I’m a little tired of reading stories showcasing overzealous romance. I’m tired of seeing that people end up with who they ‘should’ and everything gets worked out in the end. The more honest side of me knows it’s because I’ve seen things end badly before, as is the case with many marriages nowadays, but the hopeful side of me thinks that my distaste of ‘the happy ending’ is more to do with the idea that a ‘bad ending’ is just as powerful (probably more powerful) than a ‘good ending.’

For example, I really loved reading “Anywhere But Here” by Michael Grau (AD 28/29) because it didn’t have a cookie-cutter happy ending. While reading I was just waiting for something to explode between Travis and Kattie, but even that didn’t happen as I was expecting it to. To me, the written ending was more positive than a ‘good ending.’ There was a sense of catharsis knowing that something definitive happened and neither character would be left guessing anymore.

I’ll have to stop with that though—I don’t want to give out any spoilers!

Happy reading!

—autumn, Editorial Asst.—

As a thank you for partaking in my efforts to stay sane this summer, I’d like to offer you a discount on all Artful Dodge issues (well, aside from the ones we don’t have, of course). I would be tickled pink if you sent me a letter in response to any of my summer hits along with a check for a Dodge of your choosing. Or, if you’re not the letter-loving rascal I thought you were, then it is just as acceptable to send in a small note saying “autumn sent me.” That, dears, will get you a dollar off any of our issues (that includes our current issue, AD 52/53), making back issues $4 and our current issue $11.

This offer stands until September 1st, when our online submissions platform goes live, and you can order issues directly through Submittable.